6. Veterinary products: medications that have been flavored to appeal to pets.

7. Rodenticides: intended to kill mice and other rodents, these are extremely dangerous.

8. Plants: If toxic plants are ingested by pets they can quickly cause kidney failure and death.

9. Lawn and garden products: fertilizers, bone meal, cocoa mulch.

10. Any cleansers used for mopping floors and dusting furniture.

And here are some additional toxins to be aware of:

* The ASPCA also advises against the use of tea tree oil to treat skin infections in pets. Undiluted tea tree oil is so potent that even a drop or two applied to a pet can cause harm and there is no antidote for tea tree poisoning.

* Besides smelling like pond-slime, dogs that swim in ponds or play in stagnant bodies of water or water containing fertilizer run-off can become ill or even die from blue-green algae toxicosis. The sins of poisoning are vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, lethargy, liver failure and death. The treatment is the same as if the pet has ingested poisonous plant materials.

* I say this every year but it bears repeating. The seeds AND the leaves of Sago Palms are extremely poisonous and can result in a very painful death for a pet. Don't plant these plants where your pets (especially puppies) play.

If you suspect that your pet has ingested any part of a Sago Palm, it should be taken to a veterinarian immediately.

The Pet Poison Control Center: 800-213-6680.

***

A shameless shout-out to my 12 students (and their 13 wonderful dogs) who competed in obedience and rally at the Kern County Kennel Club's shows and went home with the following:

* Six new titles

* 33 qualifying scores (20 of which were award placements)

* 22 title "legs" (it takes three qualifying legs under two judges to earn a title)

It was an impressive feat accomplished with an extraordinary display of team camaraderie and good sportsmanship.

-- Sherry Davis is a dog trainer/owner of CSI 4 K9s. Email her at csi4k9s@ yahoo.com. These are her opinions, not necessarily The Californian's.

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